Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Valerie looked surprised. “What’s up?”

“You know what, if you hadn’t saved me that day. I’d probably be six feet under by now. Gotta show my gratitude proper,” Sophia said.

Valerie chuckled nervously as she hurried to reassure her. “You’re doing great. And hey, no need for thanks from me. It was really no sweat. If it wasn’t me, someone else would’ve jumped in to lend a hand“

“Anyway, you’re my lifesaver, no question” Sophia said earnestly, Valerie had left quickly after their brief conversation that morning, but Sophia had taken a liking to her. So, she started arriving early at the intersection, hoping to catch Valerie passing by on her way to work. Her persistence paid off, and now she held onto Valerie’s hand tightly, determined not to let her slip away easily.

“What’s your name?” Sophia asked.

valerie, always a softy for kind elderly

derly people, immediately replied, “My name’s

Valerie Warren

“Valerie, huh? Nice name. I’m Sophia Russell, so just call me Sophia. The more Sophia looked at Valerie, the more she liked her. Valerie’s warm- hearted nature was a real gem, perfect for Matthew

Valerie had no idea that in just a few minutes, Sophia had practically mapped out the cozy married life of her and Matthew,

Concerned about Sophia’s hurried movements earlier, Valerie cautioned. “Sophia, the morning fog’s thick these days. Please watch your step. especially at busy intersections like this. It’s too risky. And after your fall last time, did your family take you to get checked out at the hospital?”

Bringing that up right away got Sophia all worked up, playing the sympathy card. She dramatically lamented, “My family’s all caught up with work. Ain’t nobody got time for me.”

Valerie, not catching on to any hidden agendas, felt genuinely upset for Sophia. “I mean, no matter how busy they are, they can’t just ditch you. You know what they say. Respect your elders, and things go smoothly. It’s like basic decency, right?”

Seeing Valerie’s riled expression, Sophia worried she might have gone too far. She wanted Valerie’s sympathy to bring them closer, but if she made Valerie resent her grandson because of it, it could backfire. So she added, “But I can’t entirely blame them either. There’s so much pressure in society nowadays, they have to hustle while they’re young. I get that mindset, really, It’s just sometimes, being alone gets to me, you know?”

Valerie quickly comforted her. “Sophia, if you’re up for it you’re always welcome to chat with me about anything.

“Seriously?” Sophia’s little scheme worked like a charm.

Valerie had no clue Sophia was trying to play her. Worried Sophia wouldn’t believe her offer, Valerie swiftly pulled out her phone to exclunge

numbers with her.

But Sophia was quite up–to–date about the latest trends. “Let’s just add each other on WhatsApp”

“Sure, that works too, Valerie replied, thinking messaging would be way easier than calls

It was a bit odd for someone Sophia’s age to be so tech–savvy. Sophia was somehow unique. She had this classy vibe and all, Valerie figured she must’ve been pretty sharp in her day. She just couldn’t wrap her head around how Sophia’s family could ignore such a cool elder.

With that in mind, Valerie became even more caring. “Sophia, if you need anything, just text me on WhatsApp. And please, don’t wait for me in the carly mornings. It’s getting colder, and catching a chill wouldn’t be good for your health.

“Oh, got it.” Sophia said, then cheerfully rummaged through her linle floral purse and pulled out a sofi, rosy knitted scarf. “Valerie, I saw you on that scooter in the cold. The helmet hides your face, but your neck’s bare. So, I made this scarf for you. Consider it a thank–you gift from last time. Take

Valerie couldn’t say no to Sophia’s kindness. “Thanks, Sophia”

With the scarf on and the clock ticking, Valerie waved goodbye and zoomed off on her scooter.

As soon as Valerie left, the Grant family’s head butler, Harold Thompson approached Sophia. “Mrs. Grant, I’ve seen you knitting that scarf for the past few days. I thought it was for Mr. Matthew, not Miss Warren.”

Sophia snorted derisively. “Matthew is stubborn as a mule. Knitting him a scarf would be a waste of my time.

Harold, a longtime member of the Grant family, understood Matthew’s upbringing. He knew Matthew’s parents had passed early, and Sophia practically raised him herself. Despite her tough talk, he knew she cared for her grandson more than anything. She just wouldn’t admit it openly because she got a hard shell but a soft center.

Harold grinned and said, “Since Miss Warren saved you, a generous reward would do just fine. Why go through the trouble of knitting a scarf?”

“You wouldn’t get it,” Sophia said, watching Valerie leave with a grin. “She’s got a good heart. Cash might push her away. But a landmade scarf!

11:26 АМ

Chapter 79

That’s heartfelt gratitude and a bonding moment rolleil into one. Clever, right?”

Harold felt a bit bewildered but couldn’t help but admire how Sophia was plotting for her grandson’s future marriage. Then, seeing Sophia about to leave, he quickly asked, “Are you heading home now. Mrs. Gramı”

“Nope, I’m off to Noria Group Just thinking about Matthew gets me all fired up. I need to give him a good talking–to,” Sophia huffed as she climbed into the waiting limousine.

Harold stifled a chuckle. Sophia acted all worked up, but he saw the gray scarf sticking out of the corner of her purse–the one clearly intended for her grandson

SEND GIFT